Abi-Albon

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   <default>Abi-Albon</default>
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</image> <group> <header>Genealogical</header> <label>Life-span</label> <label>Sibling(s)</label> <label>Parents</label> <label>Spouse</label> <label>Offspring</label> </group> <group> <header>Political</header> <label>Social class</label> <label>Occupation</label> </group> <group> <header>Cultural</header> <label>Nationality</label> <label>Ethnicity</label> <label>Religion</label> <label>Spoke</label> <label>Race</label> <label>Appearance</label> </group> </infobox> Abi-albon (called also Abiel) was from the town of Beth-Arabah in the wilderness of Judah. He became a member of David's bodyguard, that also served as the Israelite army's military officers. As a member of David's private army, he assisted him in his fight against the reign of his predecessor and father-in-law Saul.

Etymology

As a member of David's mighty men, the name Abi-albon, meaning "father of strength" (i.e., "valiant.") or "My father is overpowering", was probably a nickname known to his contemporaries, such a the prophet Nathan, who probably preserved the records of the King. Later, in the Chronicles, he is called Abiel, meaning "God is my father," probably indicating that his family was observant of the Law and religion of Moses. On the other hand, Abi-El can also mean "Father of strength (el)," making the two names variants.

About

The world into which Abiel was born was one of turmoil. War was an ever present reality in the southern wilderness near Philistia. The town known to history as Beth-Arabah was located in the frontier, the battleground where king Saul would fight most of his battles.

Like most towns of any size, the Torah (the Law and History of Moses) was taught to the people by local Levites. Those who believed these teachings and followed them would make journeys to Kirjath-jearim where the ark of the covenant was kept. Among those who followed Yahweh, the names of Yah and El were commonly included in a child such as Abi-albon (born Abi-El).

As civil war broke out under Israel's first king, Saul, his countrymen in Benjamin were among his closest supporters. The men of Judah were supportive of their neighbors, but when Saul turned against David, the young shepherd/warrier found supporters among the villagers in the frontier. When Abiel joined David's band of men, his name probably was changed Abi-Albon. "Albon" is a term of unknown origin and may be used to substitute "el" (strength), the root word for Eloh, God.

Nothing more is known of Abiel other than his origin and destiny as a confident of king David in his early years.